Your go-to-guide to this year’s festival for the future
The countdown to #HUBweek is on! We’re bringing you the rundown of 11 things you need to know going into this year’s festival for the future. Let’s do this.
1. Festival Map
Thanks to our friends at CBT, you can use this map of The HUB Presented by Liberty Mutual Insurance to find your way around the site. Remember, its official opening is this Wednesday, October 10 at 9AM. You can also view an interactive Google map of all of the Open Doors locations throughout the city here. If you have any questions when you are on-site, feel free to drop by the Liberty Mutual Insurance Information Zone (#2 on the map).
2. HUBweek App
The HUBweek 2018 app is officially live in the Google Play and iTunes store! This is your go-to-source throughout the week. Download it to connect with fellow attendees, view the map, check out your agenda, and learn more about 2018 speakers and artists. We’ll also share notifications on new additions or updates there. If you’re interested in connecting with other attendees, make sure to add yourself to the community here. Click here to download or search “HUBweek 2018” in the app store.
Please note you cannot register for sessions via the app. Make sure to do so online via this linkhere beforehand. If you have questions on adding sessions to your agenda, follow this step-by-step guide here.
3. Badge Pickup
All Pass Holders will receive a physical pass for entry this year. Head to the “On-Site Registration and Check-In” area on the map to pick up your badge, starting this Monday, October 8. No need to bring anything with you in order to pick up your badge–all we’ll need is your name and email. Once you’ve got that in your possession, you are free to pass in and out of the Main Entrance. Everyone over the age of 15 does need to register for a badge to enter the site.
4. Hours
Badge pickup and entry will begin each day at 9AM. Exhibits and the Hall of the Future officially open at 11AM. The site will remain open until 9PM Wednesday-Friday and 10PM on Saturday. The HUB closes on Sunday, October 14 at 5PM.
5. Session Access
Don’t forget to pre-register for sessions taking place during HUBweek. Note that all sessions at HUBweek are first come, first serve. If the venue is not full 5 minutes before the program begins, we will let in those who may not have been able to get on the list.
6. Low Pass Alert
There are still a limited number of Insider Passes to HUBweek available. Please note the Insider Lounge and the HUBweek Forums (Center Stage, W-F 9:00AM-5:00PM) do require an Insider or Concierge Pass to access.
7. Food & Drink
There will be food trucks on the site throughout the week and alcohol available for sale at The Back Deck and in the Insider Lounge.
The Back Deck will be open in the evenings Wednesday through Friday and from 1PM-10PM on Saturday, the 13th. Come hang out, have some light bites, and a couple of drinks from Downeast Cider, Archer Roose, and Night Shift Brewing. The Back Deck is 21+.
8. Getting Here
The address for City Hall Plaza is 1 Cambridge St. Once you are here, you won’t be able to miss us! See the map above for confirmation on where to pick up your pass.
To help you get to the events throughout Boston, we’ve partnered with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to have Bluebikes be the preferred transportation partner for HUBweek. With more than 2,220 bikes throughout Boston, it’s an easy and convenient way to attend Open Door events and the experiences taking place at City Hall Plaza. HUBweek will provide valet service at City Hall Plaza to help make renting and returning the bikes a seamless experience.
For those of you that are driving in, we’ve partnered with the Government Center Garage to bring you some great discounted rates. Please make sure you pre-register for parking in order to secure the discount. Discounts will not be offered on site.
9. Accessibility
HUBweek is a welcoming and accessible environment for all attendees. All venues at The HUB meet the requirements outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are fully accessible using custom ramps, including the shipping containers and the plaza itself.
HUBweek is located on City Hall Plaza. If you are using a ride-sharing service, use the address 1 Cambridge Street, Boston MA. The site is accessible by the Green Line (Government Center) and the Orange Line (Haymarket), Blue Line (State Street) and Red Line (Park Street).
Should you require American sign language, hearing amplification or CART services, they can be made available upon request to [email protected]. Please note that the environment could be overwhelming or overstimulating to some and that the Immersive Dome may use strobe lights at certain times in the evening. In terms of non-visual experiences, we offer: conferences, live performances, dance parties, and interactive exhibits. There are accessible bathrooms available onsite.
10. Youngin’s and Fido
Kids are more than welcome at HUBweek, at any time. In particular, we’re hosting a full day just for kids and families on Sunday, October 14: Future Innovators Day. Children under 16 do not need to register for HUBweek. Please note that The Insider Lounge and the Back Deck are 21+.
What about your dog? Dogs are allowed outside in The HUB during the day. Only service dogs will be permitted on site at night and into the venues throughout the day.
11. Other FYI
- The Hall of the Future is an 8,000 sq. foot venue that is open to all General Admission Pass Holders. In case of inclement weather (knock on wood), you can feel free to wander on in and check out the exhibits while you hunker down.
- There are public restrooms on site.
- On the list of prohibited items at The HUB: firearms, knives, explosives, fireworks, aerosol cans, and fake IDs. Please note that there is no smoking allowed on city property. All bags are subject to a security check.
We look forward to seeing you at this year's HUBweek!
